Weekly US oil, gas rig count up by 12 to 1,986

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HOUSTON - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. is up 12 this week to 1,986.

Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that 1,382 rigs were exploring for oil and 600 were looking for gas. Four were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week, Baker Hughes reported 1,830 rigs.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, New Mexico gained three rigs; California and West Virginia each gained two; and Alaska, Colorado and North Dakota were up one apiece.